Will stop putting pictures of sunsets on sometime, honest!

This morning I made Christmas cakes for the select few! Turned out well as I haven't used a gas cooker in over thirty years, but have always said I preferred using a gas oven. Once they were done and cooling I decided to take a slow walk as it is a lovely day again. It had to be slow as I have quite a lot of pain in my knees at the moment, but as long as I take it steady I can still manage quite long distances. I took a walk down the hill through the old town, lots of little seaside shops that have been there for years.

I carried on down to the south bay and harbour, it was very busy down there, so I started back up the hill and had a cup of tea in a quaint little tea room.

A couple of days ago I saw a shopping trolley in town that I liked so much more that the one I have, but resisted the temptation at the time. That 'no names mentioned' friend suggested that I use the one I have as a laundry basket, which is a pretty good idea as I haven't got one. So I was swaying towards getting the yellow one. Walking through the Old Town they had the same one outside a shop but £4 cheaper - definitely a sign, so I bought it!

Now, that really IS funky!!

Took a walk down to the quieter part of the park and tried to sketch there. Will post it even though not the best of pictures, at least I am trying to get back into the swing!

I walked into town to the Weigh and Save shop, haven't seen one of them in quite a while. I am going to make a couple of Christmas cakes for immediate family but there isn't room here for me to make the amount I used to, so sorry to those who have received them before. I then walked to Sainsbury's and had a rest in a pretty square, near the station, in the town centre.

For those of you who don't know Scarborough the station is quite a striking building.

About three years ago I bought some tomberries, really tiny tomatoes and shared them with my sister and niece. Haven't seen them since, and a certain friend, mentioning no names, thought I was making them up! Well, today I bought some more, and have put a 20p on the pack to prove how small they are!

I walked up to the castle today (up being the correct word!) What a fantastic place, massive grounds and amazing views. Took loads of photos and have had difficulty choosing six to put on the blog. Loads of steps and slopes, a real test for dodgy knees, but well worth it, Put Scarborough castle on your list of places to visit!

It has brightened up this afternoon so I decided to attack some of the reedy plant that have overtaken the front garden. I bought bulbs yesterday so need a flower bed to put them in! Meant to take a photo of them before I started, so took one of the pile of removed ones. Had me sweating in a most unladylike fashion.

Grey and drizzly today and I am home alone, well, Colonel is here! I took a walk down to the sea front anyway and strolled along the sand, deserted except for a couple of dog walkers. Gave the castle a mysterious air today.

Walked back up Peasholm Drive, this time with the camera! Great view over the busy part of the park and there was even an organ recital in progress in the stand on the lake!

Walked on then went down to the wood like part of the park.

Passed a lovely wooden statue. much bigger than me!

The stream was just stunning, could fill the blog with endless photos, but I won't!

Had to capture this little chap.....

Then walked alongside the lovely, peaceful lake before I got to the main part of the park.

Darren and I took a trip to a great garden centre where we had a really good, reasonably priced lunch. I bought a bird feeder, seeds and suet squares and also some spring bulbs, so will have to get some flower beds ready!! Darren has assembled the feeder and it has various food and water on it. I will be so excited if and when the birds decide to visit it!

Think I have done my exercise for today, made it to the pool for opening time and then decided to find the other way back as Darren said there was one! Got lost, but then found my way again, it was about a mile and a half, but a beautiful walk above the woods and park. Didn't have my camera with me but may take a stroll up there later if I have the energy. Darren set me the challenge of cutting up and bagging the pruning I did the other day, so I have been busy, but went from this:

To this!

Sorry to be boring, just love the skies!

Today is Anya's birthday, and the weather has been just beautiful, we have been very lucky.

Anya opened cards and presents with Isobel on Isobel's 'bed', which is the sofa bed in my lounge. Then downstairs to see Tina and Darren, and of course her new best friend 'Colonel'!

We went out for a 'birthday breakfast' at the North Bay Cafe, which we all enjoyed, Darren took a liking to Isobel's toast!

Anya, Isobel and I took the open top bus to the South bay, where lots of 2ps went in the machines and a walk on the beach there, plus a donkey ride.

We came back and had a light lunch here, and when packed Darren and I took them to the station for their journey home. I really felt quite sad after they had gone. One last picture on this post, we had a silly one taken at Sea Life, and gave in and bought it because it is fun!

That's all for now folks!!

We walked down for an evening of rock pooling but the tide was in! Isobel had such fun and it was really cold, she is getting to be quite a dare devil! She was soaked!!

Had a good day, visited the church with Tina and Darren and then we caught the train to the Sealife Centre. The rain stayed away which was a real bonus.

We all had good night and are up and about a bit later this morning. Another nice sky last night and this morning I have tried to take the bird through the back window. but the mixture of dirty windows outside and trying to keep still while leaning over all the things in the way, the results aren't great! the sparrows in buddleia are a delight.

We have had a good day, we were on the beach by 9.30 am, it was pretty quiet and Darren came with us which was great. The day has remained fine and there has been a fair amount of sunshine. The show with Bob the Builder and Angelina Ballerina was fun and there were other activities. On the way back the island was open in Peasholm Park so we climbed up there.

Took a walk up to the framing man again, and this time the picture was done, although I had to remind who I was and what picture! Very pleased with the result although I had said I wanted then the other way round, but it doesn't really make any difference. Darren and I went to the tip again and then went to collect Anya and Isobel from the station. We had a lovely afternoon going on the open top bus after a walk through the park. We stopped off at the entertainments and had a walk along the front at the south bay. We had pizza for tea with Darren and Tina, so a good first day.